Akron teacher loses job for Facebook posts

AKRON, Ohio -- An Akron school teacher has lost his job following Facebook posts the school board said were racist and derogatory.

Akron city schools administrators say David Spondike posted the comments on his Facebook page after witnessing teenagers urinating near his front yard.

The Akron Beacon Journal reports (http://bit.ly/1vxuGYh) the school board on Monday accepted a referee's 18-page decision that determined the posting last October violated the district's staff conduct and social media policies.

The referee's ruling upholds an earlier decision by school board members to fire Spondike.

The paper said Spondike did not attend the board meeting and couldn't be reached for comment.

Spondike, who has been on unpaid leave since officials learned of the posting, has said he was within his rights to speak his mind.